experiences I have had in the past is that the firearm would go to an authorised gunsmith nearest you
there are some very good gunsmiths in Tassie I don't see a need for the rifle to go anywhere else
there are time factors in where the firearm is deemed lost by Australia post, I had a nightforce scope went missing 12 months ago
the sender will have tracking advise and know the last place it was scanned, I think it's 4 days before opening up an investigation and 30 days after it's last scan before they will say it is gone for good, the police will be all over them for this
after that its up to the sender to be reimbursed by Australia post, if they got it insured
but it is not your worry
they have to look after you under Australian consumer law, you did not post it lgs did so its there problem
you may get a new rifle
if you do I'm sure that it will be qc tested for you
keep nipping at the senders heels
I have seen a few of the winchester guys at shoots and understand they are salesmen but they cannot go off what is on a forum
they go by there gunsmith, these guys do not repair or diagnose firearm problems
“If you do not read the newspapers you are uninformed. If you do read the newspapers you are misinformed”. Mark Twain